The Top TEN of Today

I don't consider myself to be rich and I don't consider myself to be poor. I am a frugal soul, but I sure do enjoy some "finer things" once in a while! I want to give you list of things to do in Tampa today. Some of these things will take a bit 'o cash and others will simply allow you to enjoy your area simply without cost.

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I will start off with a suggestions for you my fellow bloggers!

Read a Book
no$

1.The Hillsborough County Public Library system offers Free Wi-Fi! Take your lap-top, take the kids, and park your self inside the cool air conditioning and enjoy the afternoon! If you have brought your brood along they can enjoy story time, computer usage, and a myriad of books (of course)! My husband and I enjoy regular trips to the library. He devours the Sci-fi section wile I browse the cookbooks and home decor magazines. If you haven't been in a while I highly recommend a visit to your local library!

See a Play
a bit of $

2. Stages Productions are a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon. I was volunteering for Big Brother's Big Sisters down in Pinellas County. I mentored the most wonderful tween girl! We enjoyed movies and shopping and going out to eat together. My favorite outings were to Stages Productions! These plays add a little bit of fun and a lot a bit of energy to your day! Each play incorporates a fairy tale, music and dancing all original to the theatre group. Their website seems to be a bit behind on showing you the most recent schedules but the Brandon and Largo Cultural Centers have updated information!! All the links and Phone Numbers are available on the Stages Productions Website! The tickets average $5-$7 in price with special family deals as well!

Will I see you at their next show?

Eat Dinner
alot of $$$

3.My husband and I agree that one of the best places to eat in Tampa is Roy's.
This restaurant describes itself as "hawaiian fusion" and it is an absolutely wonderful place to dine! To be honest we are humored by the way the staff continues to ask us if we have "enjoyed", if we are finished "enjoying" , or if we need "enjoy" more! Yet, humor aside, the food is fantastic, the prices insane, and the experience a wonderful evening of class!!
The toasty and salty edamame starter is enjoyable and helps to pass the time as you wait for your appetizers and entrees. Don't leave without sampling the Lava cake!!

Go to the Beach
little to no $

4. Depending on where you live this trip may or may not cost you. We all know the price of gas, but overall lets just say this is a great low cost adventure. I am here to say Let's go to DeSoto.
First you have the sandy beach to enjoy, and then you have the fort to explore! History buffs will enjoy the learning opportunity and you will enjoy having restrooms, playground areas, camping spots and more. I suggest bringing a picnic lunch. I think peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the best, however, I did make fried picnic chicken for a beach lunch once!

What is your favorite beachy meal?

Enjoy a Park or Two
little $

5. North of Tampa lies Zephyrhills. Now, we may not have all been there, but we all have drank their water! Zephyrhills has the most wonderful little WaterPlay park for the little ones. This park is free and is good for about 2 hours of fun. Bring the sunscreen and a change of clothes to enjoy the playground and duck pond afterward!! I have had the opportunity of bringing children ranging from 10 months to age 6 and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all! Believe me, I wear my bathing suit and shorts!!

6. Another great spot for some water fun is the Hillsborough River State Park. North on 301 in Thonotosassa this park has a great many things to offer! There are traditioanl park trails and hiking opportunities, as well as a cafe and gift shop. My favorite stop in this park is the pool, and a huge pool it is too! Shallow on the edges for tots and their families this pool makes for a wonderful cooling down experience!

See it on the BIG BIG Screen
Some$$

7. There's nothing like watching a a movie on the big screen, but there's also nothing like seeing it on the IMAX. Tampa offers two Imax theaters! Channelside is located in downtown Tampa and MOSI is near USF in Temple Terrace. Click their links for times and pircing. Although the prices are more than a traditional theater ticket it is well worth it! I hear that Madagascar 2 will be on the BIGBIG screen!! OH yeah! and Channelside serves up some real good pizza!

Volunteer with children
no$

8. Children are beautiful! Yes, I know they get sticky and stinky alike, but they are still so dear!
I have two suggestions for you. As mentioned earlier I suggest a mentorship program! Take a few hours out of your week and enjoy yourself! While you are enjoying yourself you can help a little one enjoy themself! Big Brother's Big Sisters and Everyday Blessings are both close to my heart! At Everyday Blessings , over 20 children reside in a therapeutic facility designed to care for children birth- age 12. This facility has allowed many sibling groups in foster care the ability to live together under one roof! These children each need a mentor to take them on outings or simply to assist with homework. Could your family find time to spend with a little one?

A day at the ZOO--THIS COMING SUNDAY
little $

9. So , it used to be $3 day and now it is $5 day! However the $5 is a great price for a zoo admission! The Lowry Park Zoo is fabulous with a water play area, themed exhibits and rides galore! They deal on the ticket price gives you more money to spend on treats and rides I say! I took three toddlers and had the most wonderful, yet crowded time. You will never see so many strollers in your life as you do on this day! Keep a look at the calendar to find out when next years discount days show up!

Shop at CVS
a little $$

10. Now this last item might sound humorous to some, but I think CVS is a wonderful place in Tampa!I shop at at CVS weekly enjoying my ExtraCareBuck rewards and free products! Thank goodness that Tampa Bay has a CVS on every corner! If you have never heard of CVSing I suggest you visit the Money Saving Mom blog and find out about this! You'll make the best shopping trip of your life one of these days. You might even be tempted to blog about it!